Prince William takes a stand against bullying with powerful video message

The royal has thrown his support behind the first Stand Up To Bullying Day

Jul 05, 2016 5:27pm

Prince William has denounced “stupid and cruel” bullying in a stirring new message recorded at Kensington Palace, urging viewers to get behind the first ever National Stand Up To Bullying Day in the UK.

“It is important we recognise that bullying is not just confined to the playground, or classroom, and it does not only affect children and young people,” the royal says in his message.

“It exists all around us - in people’s homes, in their workplaces, and in their wider communities.”

Prince William is a proud supporter of The Diana Award, which is spearheading the anti-bullying campaign. Photo: Kensington Palace

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The Stand Up To Bullying initiative is being spearheaded by the team at The Diana Award, a charitable organisation that helps young people realise their potential in driving positive social change in the world. Both Prince William and Prince Harry are proud supporters of The Diana Award, which was named in honour of their late mother and continues her legacy of championing young people.

“This campaign goes beyond the 1 in 2 people affected by bullying; it is about everyone, every single one of us taking the collective responsibility to tackle bullying,” says Tessy Ojo, Diana Award CEO.

“It is also about changing the perceived view that bullying is a rite of passage. We know the devastating effect bullying has on people which reaches way beyond the school gates.”

The royal takes a stand against bullying in a video message recorded for Stand Up To Bullying Day. Photo: Kensington Palace

This important cause is clearly one close to William's heart.

In April, the royal announced the formation of a special Royal Foundation Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying, where he has since been joined by leaders from many of the world's biggest tech companies - including Google, Facebook and Twitter.

Watch Prince William, Princess Charlotte and more royals at the Trooping the Colour celebrations earlier this year - story continues below

As part of his work with the Stand Up To Bullying campaign, the Duke of Cambridge is encouraging everyone to take a stand against all forms of bullying behaviour.

"It is our collective responsibility to be alert, and to be ready to challenge the behaviour we see around us,” William urges in his video message.

“We all have a role to play to ensure that we do not stand by, but instead stand up, and put a stop to bullying.”